Governors’ wives vow to tackle rising digital violence against women at 6th annual summit

• NGF Chairman calls digital violence a real-world threat
• AGF Fagbemi pledges stronger legal frameworks against menace

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF) has issued a rallying call to end the growing menace of digital violence against women and girls nationwide.

At the sixth annual conference in Abuja, First Lady of Kwara State and NGSF Chair, Olufolake Abdulrazaq, described the challenge as both timely and compelling, emphasising the urgent need for coordinated action.

“The digital world has become an essential part of our daily lives, expanding opportunities for learning, expression, and economic participation,” Abdulrazaq said. “Yet it has also created avenues to harm the vulnerable.”

She cited global evidence of technology’s role in facilitating violence—cyber-stalking, online harassment, digital blackmail, gender misinformation, and exploitation—warning that the consequences are psychological, social, and economic.

“We must recognise that digital violence is not a virtual problem. It is a real-world threat. It suppresses voices, distorts choices, erodes confidence, and limits participation in public life,” Abdulrazaq said.

The summit’s theme, “Unite for Change; Men and Women Ending Digital Violence Together,” highlighted the need to make Nigeria’s digital spaces safe and empowering, not intimidating.

Abdulrazaq noted NGSF’s achievements in advocacy and interventions, including the passage of the Violence Against Persons Act and expanded support for victims of gender-based violence. She pledged continued work with state governments to harmonise cybercrime legislation, enhance digital safety, and expand online literacy—especially for girls.

NGSF intends to deepen “cross-agency coordination, bringing together justice, ICT, education, women’s affairs, and security institutions, to ensure enforcement and education work as a unified system.”

On inclusion, Abdulrazaq voiced strong support for women’s political representation and the special seats campaign, declaring, “The Governors will mobilise their members in the National Assembly to do the needful.”

Governor and NGF Chairman Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq (via Plateau Governor Mutfwang) called digital violence “a real-world threat,” pledging the NGF’s commitment to safer digital spaces. “The NGF will work with state governments to strengthen and harmonise cybercrime laws and expand digital literacy, especially for young girls.”

He encouraged collective action to ensure a digitally inclusive Nigeria, “where digital rights are protected, and the promise of technology is matched by safety for all.”

Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister, Lateef Fagbemi, highlighted legal and policy progress, from amending the Violence Against Persons Act to establishing a dedicated SGBV unit at the Ministry of Justice. He stressed that ending digital violence is a collective task, urging continued cross-sector cooperation.

The summit brought together governors’ spouses, senior officials, and civil society to reflect and act on digital violence’s threat to women and girls nationwide.